Maori in Film

The New Zealand Screen Council is an independent industry organisation charged with the responsibility of facilitating growth within the New Zealand screen production sector. This website aims to be a useful resource for those interested in the activities of the Screen Council and, more broadly, in the New Zealand screen production sector itself.

The Maori Merchant of Venice, the Maori film version of the English bard William Shakespeare’s classic play The Merchant of Venice, brings an exotic look, a musically rich soundtrack and a unique cultural mix to Shakespearean tradition.

Te Waka Toi, the Maori arts board of Creative New Zealand, allocates project grants and develops initiatives. Te Waka Toi also funds Toi Maori Aotearoa on a three-year basis and Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre on an annual basis. With the Arts Board of Creative New Zealand, it contributes to the annual funding of Taki Rua Productions.

Te Karere aims to promote and use the Maori language five days a week during its 15 minute news bulletin on national television. Te Karere aims to satisfy its audience with a service that will convey Maori issues that are of National significance, whether it be Maori grieving the loss of their loved ones, celebrating their achievements, or voicing their concerns.

Screening between 4.00 PM and 5.30 PM every weekday, TAU KE is presented by Robynleigh and her gracious granny character who teach tamariki about the world as well as fronting a range of colourful, clever and creative children’s programmes aimed at k?hanga reo and kura kaupapa Maori.

Six Maori Battalion soldiers wait for night to fall in the ruins of a ruined Italian home. Forced into silence they keep themselves amused like any boys would, with jokes and laughter. As they try and ignore the reminders of war around them, a tohu (sign) brings them back to the world of the dying. They gather to say a karakia (prayer) to unite their spirits before they head back into the dark of war. Even at war…boys will be boys.

The Screen Production and Development Association of New Zealand (SPADA) represents the interests of producers and production companies on all issues that affect the commercial and creative aspects of independent screen production in New Zealand.

The Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand (SDGNZ) creates a forum where directors can define, defend and further their professional industry. Directors have a responsibility to shape and influence the collective environment they work in. It is the Guild's role to help Screen Directors work more effectively in the New Zealand Film and Television industry. Through the promotion and advancement of New Zealand feature film and TV production, the SDGNZ strives to develop the professional incentives that are needed to encourage talented people to stretch their skills, exploit their gifts to the full and encourage others to follow.

Dynamic maori language children's television.

NZ On Air's job is to promote and foster the development of New Zealand's culture on the airwaves by funding locally-made television programmes, public radio networks and access radio, and to promote New Zealand music by funding music videos and radio shows.